Great tip on the alarm sensors @mbrown43. I forgot about that! I ended up with a couple days of my security system being partially down until I got the sensors replaced. Luckily no incidents in between, but yes, good to handle it promptly.
To play devil’s advocate: I went the shutters + non-impact route and I’m totally fine with it. Saved a lot of money, and honestly putting up shutters isn’t that bad if you’re physically able. We have accordion shutters on our bigger openings and panels for the rest, and can secure the whole house in about an hour. So, not everyone needs to splurge on impact windows if you don’t mind the prep work. The cost difference for me was about $5k that I used for a new roof instead. Just saying, it’s a personal choice – impact windows aren’t the only solution for hurricane protection.
Fair point @kayaker91. I think it definitely comes down to personal preference and ability. I have neighbors who do the same as you and are perfectly happy. For me, the hassle (and maybe the fact that I’m often out of town in summer for work) made impact windows a better choice. If a storm pops up when I’m away, I don’t have to rush back to board up. But yeah, if you’re local and ready to deploy shutters, you can absolutely save money. And no flying debris is getting through good aluminum panels either. So both approaches get you safety; one is just more $$ vs more labor.
Agree that impact vs shutters is a lifestyle/budget choice. I did something in-between: impact windows on the second floor (no way I’m lugging panels up a ladder), and non-impact with shutters on the first floor (easy to put up). That might sound odd, but it worked for my budget. I eventually will convert the downstairs windows to impact too, but at least I know the whole house is secure because I cover the first floor with shutters and second floor is already impact. My insurance still gave me the full credit since all openings are protected (mixed methods).
This might have been covered, but a quick question on warranty: If I install these windows and then sell my house in a few years, does the warranty transfer to the new owner? I'm thinking about resale value – being able to say 'new windows with warranty' would be a plus.
@charlie_woof – It depends on the manufacturer. As mentioned before, Simonton for example offers a transferable warranty (the second owner typically gets a 20-year or so term). PGT’s warranty is not transferable (only for original purchaser). CWS I believe has a limited transfer (maybe 1 transfer within 10 years). The installer’s labor warranty usually is only for original customer and maybe only 1-5 years anyway. But for marketing to buyers, you can certainly mention the brand and that the windows are new; even if the warranty doesn’t fully transfer, new-ish windows are a selling point. If warranty transfer is important to you, you might lean toward brands that offer it (like Simonton).
New homeowner here as well – this thread has been a godsend. It’s helping me budget and prioritize impact windows in the next year or two. Thank you all!
By the way, replacing windows can bump up your home’s value. When I refinanced after installing impact windows, the appraiser definitely took it into account. He noted the upgrades and I believe it contributed to a higher valuation. Maybe not dollar-for-dollar of what I spent, but it’s an investment that you partially recoup in value (and fully recoup in peace of mind!).
I know we often prefer companies with in-house crews, but I’ll say the subcontractor team that did my install was fantastic. The company I chose (small outfit) actually hired an independent installer crew they regularly contract with. Those guys were super experienced (20+ years doing windows) and it showed. So, even if it’s subcontracted labor, if it’s a crew that works routinely with the company and has good reviews, it can be just as good. Just make sure someone stands behind the work if any issue arises (in my case, the company owner came with the subs on day 1 to introduce us and checked in during the job).
My neighbor actually tried to DIY a couple of window installs to save money... let's just say he won’t do that again. It’s a pretty tough job to get right (and you still need permits/inspections). He eventually called pros to finish the rest. So I’m a big believer in using licensed installers, even if it costs more upfront.